Frequently Asked Questions
General
Do you offer an initial consultation?
Yes. It's important that you get a chance to ask any questions you might have. Similarly, I'm not looking to work with anyone who can fog a mirror. The consultation gives us a chance to see if I can help you, if you'd be a good fit for Aspera's investment process and philosophy, or if taking you on as a client would, in any way, increase the chance that I'll eventually be prescribed anti-psychotic meds.
Do I have to live locally to be a client?
No. I actually don't have many face-to-face meetings. Most communication can efficiently be handled with emails, phone calls, and video calls, so you can live anywhere that at least has dial-up modem capabilities or access to free Starbucks WiFi.
What is a fiduciary? Are you one?
A fiduciary has a legal responsibility to put his or her clients’ best interests first. You'd think every financial adviser would be a fiduciary, but you'd be mistaken. Why aren't they all? I don't know. Seems ridiculous. And, yes, I am a fiduciary.
Where did the name "Aspera" come from?
Investment Management
What is your fee? Do I need a minimum account size (in dollars) to be a client?
Where are my funds (money/account) kept?
Do I have a say in what securities are in my account?
I have full discretion over trading decisions. I might make minor exceptions if you feel strongly about avoiding companies controlled by tyrannical, arms-dealing drug lords, but let's keep the requests to a minimum. I don't ask for permission before buying or selling securities. It's imperative that I can structure and alter client portfolios in a timely manner as I best see fit if I'm to do my job well. If you're not comfortable with this...why are you looking for an investment adviser? Just go buy a basket of ETFs and get back to Netflix. For clients who wish to manage a portion of their assets themselves, those funds can be placed in a separate account and managed separately by the client.
Am I locked into a contract?
Financial Planning
What do you charge for financial planning?
Financial planning advice is included for my investment management clients. In other words, if you're paying me to manage your investment account/s, there is no extra cost for any financial planning help you might need.
What areas of financial planning do you help with?
I help my clients with just about any finance-related issues they have, but I don't have a cookie-cutter approach to financial advice. Everyone's needs, goals, and financial circumstances are different. Some issues may require detailed analysis while others require a thorough review. We'll talk about your specific needs and whether I can help during our first phone call.